Mayor Jamie Driscoll today helped launch Newcastle United Foundation’s ambitious outreach programme for schoolchildren, teenagers and young adults.

Centrally based in NUCASTLE, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and powered by Newcastle Building Society, NU Futures will support 12,000 young people annually over the next decade and transform the way the next generation enter the world of work.

By better connecting young people with life-changing opportunities in the North of Tyne economy through inspirational STEM learning, apprenticeships and career paths, NU Futures will tackle wealth inequalities issues, low productivity and exclusion for the next generation.

 

Mayor Driscoll saw first-hand where NU Futures will be delivered by Newcastle United Foundation, with support from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s £2.6m investment into the careers and education programme. At an exclusive launch event at NUCASTLE on Tuesday October 12, Mayor Driscoll met teenagers and young adults already receiving employment support from the Foundation. Standing on top of the three-storey facility in Newcastle’s West End, he became of the first people to visit the 4G rooftop pitch at NUCASTLE, which provides views across the area where communities will benefit from NU Futures.

Mayor Driscoll said:This project is all about inspiring kids. There’s help to get fit, get active, and to find jobs. There’s teaching in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and outreach work all across the region. Up to Berwick, across North Tyneside and right the way out across the Tyne Valley.  It’s wonderful to see what’s been achieved using our £2.6 million investment, one of my first acts as mayor of the North of Tyne. When people find their inspiration they do well in life.   NU Futures will really make a difference.”

NU Futures will be one of the largest employment support programmes for 11 to 25-year-olds in the region, with outreach work across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland through a network of up to 300 North East businesses. A total of 56 secondary schools from Newcastle to Northumberland will also access the programme and make use of world-class facilities available at NUCASTLE – particularly through a specialist STEM learning room and digital suites.

Steve Beharall, Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch NU Futures and to share our ambitions for the region’s young people who deserve meaningful opportunities to live, work and thrive in their home communities and in the economy of the future. NU Futures is a powerful collaboration, connecting our charity to the region’s businesses, schools, colleges and high-quality education and training partners. Together, we can position the North of Tyne area as a UK leader and innovator in preparing the next generation for future careers by equipping every individual we support with the ambition, confidence and skills they need to succeed.”

All employability, schools, and learning projects now fall under the NU Futures umbrella at the Foundation – with 26 members of staff dedicated to the programme. The region’s schools, employers and businesses are invited to get involved with the NU Futures programme Construction work at NUCASTLE is expected to be fully complete in November 2021. Once open in Spring 2022, the innovative three-storey hub will become a landmark venue attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually, with children, young people, adults and elderly residents able to access a range of world-class facilities.

Steve Beharall added: “Establishing NU Futures at NUCASTLE is an incredibly signification moment for our Foundation and one only made possible by a number of key investors, supporters and stakeholders. I would personally like to thank Newcastle United for their continued support and to highlight key contributions from North of Tyne Combined Authority, Newcastle Building Society, Newcastle College and Reece Foundation towards our state-of-the-art facility and flagship careers programme.”

Schools, employers and training partners across the region are invited to get involved with the NU Futures programme to expand opportunities for young people in the North East.

For more information about Newcastle United Foundation, the NU Futures programme or NUCASTLE, visit nufoundation.org.uk or follow Newcastle United Foundation on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn and Twitter for regular news and updates.